George Pickens' contract situation expected to get 'sticky'

The Dallas Cowboys swung for the fences with their George Pickens trade. The former Pittsburgh Steelers star posted career numbers in Arlington in 2025, and he didn't need much time to build strong chemistry with Dak Prescott.

That being said, his history of antics and indiscipline, plus some questionable efforts down the stretch, may have hurt his value. That's why, now that he's about to be a free agent, the Cowboys might choose to franchise-tag him instead. That could lead to a long standoff, according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler.

Cowboys might be looking at a long saga with George Pickens

"The Cowboys are expected to franchise-tag Pickens, which would pay him around $28 million next season. But Pickens will want a long-term deal above that number, and if Dallas doesn't give him that, some around the league wonder whether he stays away from the team for a large portion of the offseason or even training camp," Fowler wrote. 

Per Fowler's sources, the Georgia product may choose not to sign the franchise tag as leverage.

"I just don't see him, coming off the season he had, welcoming the tag with open arms," a veteran AFC coach told Fowler. 

If tagged, the Cowboys would have until July 15 to get him on a new deal. Given his character, it wouldn't be shocking to see him skip all team-related activities until he gets a long-term contract. Pickens finished the season with 93 catches on 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. 

The talent is undeniable. Still, if he was this volatile on a rookie deal, that might only get worse after cashing in on a big contract.